The Duncan Black Macdonald Center to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

On Monday, June 3, the Duncan Black Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations will celebrate its 50th anniversary and honor its legacy of academic programming, research initiatives, and public education efforts.

The center — named after Duncan Black Macdonald, a Christian scholar who pioneered Islamic Studies in Hartford — opened in 1973 under the visionary leadership of Dean Willem A. Bijlefeld. Over the years, the center's academic focus has evolved, encompassing Christian engagement with Islam and Muslim engagement with theological and legal aspects of that tradition.

Notably, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, one of the center's directors, launched HIU's Islamic Chaplaincy program in 2001, marking a significant development in providing a place for Muslim professionals to train for various religious and public careers.

Research has been another vital aspect of the center's mission. Faculty members have published numerous articles and books and edited The Muslim World journal since 1938. In 2015, Dr. Mahmoud Ayoub (1935- 2021) helped to establish the first Shi’a Chair in North America. Currently held by Dr. Hossein Kamaly, the Imam Ali Chair in Shi’a Studies and Dialogue Among Islamic Schools of Thought organizes lectures by prominent Muslim speakers from around the world.

Public education has been a key initiative, with international conferences organized on Muslim-Christian dialogue and partnerships with organizations like the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches of Christ. The center has facilitated travel programs and conferences to promote Muslim-Christian understanding and collaboration. Since 2021, an interfaith art exhibition has enabled Jewish, Christian, and Muslim artists to share their work.

Throughout its 50-year journey, the Duncan Black Macdonald Center has undergone significant transformations and continues to “constantly and creatively” change. Dr. David D. Grafton has led the center since 2016 and has organized the celebration. Keynote speakers include Dr. Ihsan Bagby and Dr. David Marshall. 

Panel discussions including HIU and visiting faculty, including: Dr. Ingrid Mattson (Huron at Western, Toronto), Dr. Martin Nguyen (Fairfield University), Chaplain Aida Mansoor (HIU), Dr. Timur Yuskaev (HIU), Dr. Maria Dakake (George Mason), Rev. Dr. Josiah Idowu-Fearon (Kaduna Centre), Dr. Lucinda Mosher (HIU), Dr. Mun'im Sirry (Notre Dame). Dr. Hossein Kamaly will offer reflections.

For a schedule and more information about the celebration, click here.